Case Study: Academi Wales

Cultivating Connected Leadership in a Hybrid World

Client Snapshot

Academi Wales (Welsh Government). An organization re-engaging the top three tiers of public service leadership for its Winter School 2022, aiming to help executives navigate post-pandemic challenges and build resilient, collaborative futures.

Challenge

50 senior public service leaders were grappling with interconnected issues of cross-sector integration, service user engagement, and organizational sustainability. They lacked the structured time and support to reflect on their leadership approach and adapt their mindset for the emergent post-pandemic context.

Approach

Delivered a 2.5-hour virtual, interactive keynote and masterclass, facilitated from the U.S. for leaders across Wales.
Designed a blended learning experience with pre-session diagnostics, a personal action plan journal, and pre-reading from the book Connected Leadership by Dr. Anita Polite-Wilson https://bit.ly/ConnectedLeadershipByDoctorAnita
Facilitated breakout discussions and integrated practical frameworks (VUCA, ADKAR) and self-awareness tools (Motivational Behavior Style Assessment).
Established a 30-day post-event structure with accountability partners and a virtual follow-up session to reinforce application and learning.

Outcomes

Enhanced Leadership Capability – Participants reported feeling more equipped to navigate ambiguity and lead with intentionality.
Increased Engagement & Accountability – Observed strong cohort-wide engagement in breakout groups and a commitment to peer accountability through 30-day journaling.
Deeper Self-Awareness – Leaders gained valuable insights through reflections on personal motivation and stress responses.
Replicable Development Model – The engagement provided a successful model for virtual, self-directed public sector leadership development amid complexity.

Participant Feedback

“I feel more equipped to navigate ambiguity and lead with intentionality.”